Outback Solitude - Kings Canyon

I have just got back from a month photographing in the Northern Territory and without doubt one of the highlights of the trip was a few days at Kings Canyon. The enchanting Kings Canyon is one of Australia’s natural treasures. It is a place where the unspoiled bush and red rock canyons in the heart of the Watarrka National Park create an unforgettable outback experience. Formed around the beautiful gum tree lined Kings Creek, Kings Canyon is truly a majestic destination featuring high sandstone walls, spectacular rock formations and views that stretch across the desert. The popular rim walk allows you to marvel at the magnificent views of the canyon rim, the weathered domes of ‘The Lost City’ and the green oasis of the ‘Garden of Eden’.

Given the popularity of Kings Canyon with tourists and the crowds enjoying the rim walk around the top of the canyon, it can at times be difficult to fully appreciate. For me, I feel greater connection in the quiet solitude away from the tourists, preferring to experience a more private audience with an ancient land on my own terms. On this occasion, having taken my time enjoying the rim walk earlier in the day, I walked up high above the canyon and waited for the last of the tourists to depart from the carpark below. Standing alone as the sun set over the canyon, the colours were ever changing. I had the opportunity to soak in the peace and reflect on the truly ancient landscape that is outback Australia. Being in the middle of a vast spectacular landscape, alone, and without other distractions, it was hard not feel more connected to the landscape surrounding me. Then, well after the sun had set, the afterglow created a stunning red glow on the rocks around me. I knew this was the time to capture a photograph to convey the natural beauty of this place. I hope through this photograph you can experience some of the feeling of the outback solitude I had while taking this photo.